PhD Scholarships at the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Foundational Artificial Intelligence

The UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Foundational Artificial Intelligence sits within UCL's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and brings together world leading experts in core AI and machine learning disciplines to help answer some of society's biggest needs.

Our CDT addresses the national need for AI workers by training researchers capable of advancing core AI algorithms. These graduates will help shape the social, scientific and economic landscape through scientific breakthroughs and the creation of companies on the basis of novel AI technology. In forging AI creators, we will therefore encourage students to look beyond Computer Science and be open to interaction with other scientists researching intelligence.

A key research objective of CDT students is to make new algorithms for next-generation AI technologies by incorporating more knowledge about the real-world and human culture into the AI agents themselves. Such machines will be able to offer unparalleled insights into our data-rich world and provide us with transparent and interpretable explanations.

A unique aspect of the CDT is to give students the deep technical skills they require to be leading researchers in AI and also the skills to be a deep tech entrepreneur.

What we offer

We offer a unique four-year PhD programme, focussed on creating novel algorithms and new technologies, with an added focus on entrepreneurial training to help support and deliver the next generation of AI creators.

The CDT includes a programme of cohort-based training activities designed to encourage interaction with other students on the CDT, through shared research, training and social experiences, including in AI and entrepreneurship. These training elements are additional to a standard PhD programme and students need in their personal statements to recognise the alignment of this CDT approach with their interests and aspirations.

Funding

The CDT will fund approximately 12 students to join the programme in September 2023. Our fully-funded studentships are 4 year awards that include tuition fees, a tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate plus London-weighting, and a generous allowance for research consumables and conference travel.

How to apply

To apply, visit our website.

Deadline for International Students is 13 January 2023
Deadline for Home Students is 10 March 2023

We anticipate informing successful candidates of their outcome by end of May 2023. Any remaining studentships will be open for application on a rolling basis through to August 2023.

Committed to providing an inclusive environment in which diverse students can thrive, we particularly encourage applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, who are currently under-represented in the sector.